1. What is an Electric to BTU Calculator?

Definition: This calculator converts electrical power in Watts to thermal energy output in British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h).

Purpose: It helps determine the heating equivalent of electrical devices, useful for HVAC sizing, appliance comparisons, and energy efficiency calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( BTU \) — British Thermal Units per hour (BTU/h)
• \( Watts \) — Electrical power input (W)
• \( 3.412 \) — Conversion factor (BTU/h per Watt)

Explanation: This conversion assumes 100% efficiency in converting electrical energy to heat energy.

3. Importance of Watt to BTU Conversion

Details: Understanding the BTU output helps in sizing heating systems, comparing electric heaters, and evaluating appliance heat output.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Simply enter the electrical power in Watts. The calculator will automatically compute the equivalent BTU/h output.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why 3.412 as the conversion factor?
A: 1 Watt equals 3.412 BTU/h by definition, as 1 BTU equals about 0.293 Watts.

Q2: Does this account for efficiency losses?
A: No, this is a theoretical maximum. Real-world devices may have lower BTU output due to efficiency factors.

Q3: Can I convert BTU back to Watts?
A: Yes, divide BTU by 3.412 to get Watts.

Q4: What's a typical conversion example?
A: A 1500W electric heater produces about 5,118 BTU/h (1500 × 3.412).

Q5: Does this work for all electrical devices?
A: Yes, but only for their heat output. Devices that do work (like motors) will convert some energy to motion rather than heat.